FIFA qualifiers a tough task – Palami

Azkals team manager Dan Palami yesterday admitted the herculean task Pinoy booters are facing in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers but expressed belief they have “promising” chances.

Palami is emboldened by Phl XI’s 2-1 reversal over higher-ranked Bahrain and a 2-0 drubbing of Yemen in a fiery start to Group H hostilities.

“It’s a tall order for us to make the third round, especially with our group that includes some very strong teams. But the team got off to a good start with two wins and the performance was also very satisfying, so it’s really promising,” Palami said.

The Azkals are slated to meet Uzbekistan, the top-ranked nation in the group, on Sept. 8 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan. A month later, they are set to fly to Pyongyang to duel North Korea, the current leader in the group.

“There’s plenty of work ahead and we need some luck along the way to make the next round. But, as they say, anything’s possible,” said the Azkals boss.

The top team in the group at the end of the two-round, home-and-away competition will advance to the third round. The four best secondplacers across all the groups will also progress.

World Cup slots will be awarded to the Top 2 teams in the two groups in the third round.

Palami drew confidence from how the mix of veterans and youngsters have bonded and adjusted to the system of coach Thomas Dooley.

Tickets to Phl-Uzbekistan home match are now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. Prices are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3.